Helping Your Young Child Take Medicine

Taking medicine can be hard. But there are ways to make it easier. Here are some practical tips to help make medicine time easier for you and your child.

Prepare ahead of time.

Let your child know when it is almost time for medicine. 

Do not surprise your child. Instead, let them know when it is almost time to take medicine.

For example, you might say, “When this song is over, it will be time to take your medicine.”

Create a routine. 

Giving medicine the same way or at the same time can help your child feel safe. It also lets them know what to expect.

For example, you might give them their medicine after their bath every night. Or you might give them their medicine before they brush their teeth every morning.

Use pretend play to practice. 

Help your child get used to medicine by practicing with a doll or stuffed animal. You can also let them play with a syringe that does not have a needle. Let them use it to squirt water or paint.

Make medicine time a positive experience.

Give simple, step-by-step instructions.

Tell your child what will happen first and what will happen next.

For example, you might say, “First, you will take your medicine. Then, we will play with your toys.”

Offer small choices.

Let your child make choices about how they take their medicine.

For example, you might ask, “Do you want to take it by yourself, or do you want me to help?” Give 2–3 choices. Too many choices can confuse your child.

Pair the medicine routine with a fun activity.

Make medicine time something to look forward to by associating it with something your child enjoys.

For example, you might say, “After you take your medicine, we will read your favorite book.”

Stay calm and positive.

If you seem stressed or upset, they might feel more upset. Try to stay calm and keep a positive attitude. If your child tries to slow down or avoid taking medicine, calmly ignore the behavior and keep the routine.

Take a quick break if needed.

If your child gets upset, pause for a hug or a sip of water. Then gently go back to giving medicine.

Use motivation and rewards.

Set goals and celebrate progress.

Help your child work toward a goal. 

For example, you might say, “After you take all of your medicine, we will watch a movie.”

Use a sticker chart. 

Let your child put a sticker on a chart every time they take their medicine. Celebrate their progress with a reward, like a small toy or fun activity, after they earn a certain number of stickers.

Recognize and praise progress.

Praise your child for their efforts. Help your child feel proud of how well they are doing. When your child does well, tell them what they did right. 

For example, you might say, “You did a great job swallowing the pill. I know you have worked on that.”  

Other tips to help your child take medicine.

Validate your child’s feelings and offer support. 

Taking medicine is not fun. Your child may feel frustrated or scared. Let them know you want to understand how they feel and are there to support them. 

For example, you might say, “I know this is not easy, but we will get through it together.” 

Explain why medicine helps. 

Talk to your child about how the medicine helps their body or works to make them feel better. Use simple words your child can understand. A child life specialist or other care team member can help you know how to explain medicines to your child.

Ask about ways to make medicine taste better.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your child’s medicine can be taken with or mixed with food, drinks, or flavored syrups. This can make the medicine taste better.

Seek help from your care team. 

 If you have questions or concerns about your child’s medicines, talk to a member of your care team. If your child continues to have trouble taking medicine, talk with your health care provider or pharmacist to see if your child’s medicine can be taken in another way.

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